The St Vincent de Paul Society’s annual fundraising blockbuster, Vinnies CEO Sleepout, has been held across the country, raising more than $10 million to combat homelessness. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
About 300 of Melbourne’s business leaders camped for the night on June 18 in the carpark at Federation Square.
The Victorian fundraising efforts surpassed a $1.75 million goal and are close to a record high. The money will fund the construction of accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence through the expansion of Olive’s Place, a high-security family violence refuge.
This demographic represents Australia’s largest group experiencing homelessness, said group chief executive officer of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Charlie Spendlove.
“Every year, close to 8000 women return to a violent home because there are not enough safe housing options for them,” she said.
“It doesn’t just save lives. Accommodation helps you to rebuild it. Without a safe home, you cannot have hope. You cannot plan a future. It’s the beginning. It is the bedrock of your life and a brighter future.”
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria state president Brendan Podbury addressed the CEO Sleepout participants before they headed to their makeshift cardboard tents.
“This is not a small thing which you have done,” Mr Podbury said. “You’ve used your platforms, your networks, your voices, your influence. You’ve put your name and time to something publicly.
‘The St Vincent de Paul Society exists because for nearly 200 years ordinary people have made that same choice to show up, just like you have tonight, to see those who are too often unseen, to hear those voices that are often unheard and to make the hidden visible. Tonight you are part of that story.’
It would not be easy, Mr Podbury cautioned, but he hoped people would participate again, as dozens there had – some for more than 10 years.
“It does become more meaningful, though, the more times you come back,” he said.
“Whatever brought you here, the call to serve is recognisable. The pull towards something bigger than ourselves, the sense that our skills, our resources, our strengths should be used for the advancement of others too.
“We all have different strengths, but a shared mission – the mission of standing with people, recognising their dignity and helping create opportunities for hope.”
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Business people brave the cold at 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout (Melbourne Catholic)
